Ipswich: Man Jailed For Judge Attack

A man who attacked a judge and knocked off his wig in Ipswich has admitted contempt of court.

A man who attacked a judge and knocked off his wig in Ipswich has admitted contempt of court.

Fitness instructor Paul Graham, 27, of Quendon Place, Haverhill, was held in cells at Ipswich Crown Court overnight following the assault on Judge John Devaux yesterday.

Judge Devaux had just sentenced his brother, Philip Graham, 30, of the same address, to 30 months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, when Paul left the public gallery and vaulted over a gate to get behind the judge's bench.

Appearing in handcuffs and wearing a black vest top before Judge David Goodin, Paul Graham admitted contempt.

Throughout the hearing, he was flanked in the dock by three security guards and an extra guard stood by the exit as a precaution.

Judge Goodin described how police officers in the case had restrained Paul Graham before security guards led him away.

He added that the High Sheriff of Suffolk Sir Edward Greenwell and a local clergyman who had been sitting alongside Judge Devaux "did their best to bring the attack to an end''.

"When the judge had passed the inevitable sentence of imprisonment, you left the public gallery at speed, travelled down the side of the court very fast, vaulted over the wooden gate at the side of the bench, physically attacked Judge Devaux by punches which actually caused no physical injury,'' he said.

"That conduct was disruptive, insulting and intimidating. It was a contempt of court.''